CBSA completes major border upgrades at North Portal

From: Canada Border Services Agency

News release

Oct 18, 2022     North Portal, Saskatchewan     Canada Border Services Agency

The Government of Canada is investing in modern border infrastructure that contributes to our economy by strengthening Canada’s supply chains and keeps Canadians safe.

Today, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), marked the completion of a multi-year infrastructure project at North Portal, Saskatchewan. The project made significant improvements to the CBSA’s port of entry facilities for the benefit of travellers, businesses, and border services officers.

Artwork from local Cree artist, Michael Lonechild, was unveiled and will be permanently displayed at the port of entry.

From 2018 to 2022, the Government of Canada invested $26.4 million at North Portal to:

  • add a third processing lane for vehicles entering Canada
  • install bi-level Primary Inspection Line booths, which can accommodate either cars or semi-trucks
  • build a new canopy with more height clearance for semi-trucks and oversized vehicles
  • renovate and expand the warehouse building where CBSA officers examine semi-truck shipments
  • increase parking space for semi-truck drivers who need to report to the CBSA office
  • improve site security and lighting for greater nighttime visibility and safety
  • power part of the facility with renewable energy, using solar panels

The North Portal port of entry is open 24-7. It is located on a major trade route that links Saskatchewan to the American Midwest and the Port of Charleston, South Carolina.

Construction at North Portal began in May 2018 and lasted through October 2021. This project represents the first major upgrades at North Portal since the current border facilities opened in 1989.

Quotes

“As the most important border crossing in Saskatchewan, North Portal is crucial to the economy of the whole province. The new, upgraded border crossing will help us further crack down on smuggling and trafficking while helping trade and travel keep moving.”

– The Honourable Marco Mendicino, Minister of Public Safety

“These upgrades at North Portal will help the CBSA manage wait times by creating a more efficient traffic flow and border process. We’re proud to support industry growth by offering improved services at this future-ready facility.”

– Brad Wozny, Regional Director General, Prairie Region, Canada Border Services Agency

Quick facts

  • In 2021, CBSA officers at North Portal welcomed 158,225 travellers in 129,486 commercial trucks, 27,566 automobiles and in 1,173 other vehicles, such as motorcycles and buses. North Portal is ranked 3rd of all ports in the Prairie provinces for commercial truck traffic volume.
  • In addition to this important infrastructure project, the CBSA is investing almost half a billion dollars to upgrade and replace 24 ports of entry across Canada through its multi-year Land Border Crossing Project (LBCP).
  • Travellers can plan their entry to Canada through the North Portal port of entry by checking border wait times on the CBSA website.

Contacts

Media Relations
Canada Border Services Agency
media@cbsa-asfc.gc.ca

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